Pure natural gas is colorless and odorless. Because we want our customers to be able to detect natural gas by smell, we add mercaptan, a chemical odorant that has a distinct smell similar to that of sulfur or rotten eggs. A faint odor of natural gas may mean that a pilot light has gone out on an appliance and should be re-lit. A strong odor means you should leave the home at once. DO NOT use a telephone or flashlight, switch a light on or off or light a match. Call LG&E from a location where there is no natural gas odor, such as a neighbor's house.

Leaking natural gas can explode so do not use any electrical equipment or open flames if you smell a natural gas odor.

You can reach us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at (502) 589-5511 (outside Louisville 1-800-331-7370).

As you read more about natural gas, you will discover why it's important to use some of your other senses, including your eyes and ears when detecting potentially dangerous situations related to natural gas service.